Reflection Questions #2

Writing prompt

1. Why have some countries donated more in aid to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan than others?

There are several reasons countries have differing amounts in aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan: 

1. The amount of resources that the country has. For example, the US has more money to donate to the victims than Vietnam
2. How linked two countries may be are in terms of socio-economic aspects. An example being the UAE which employs thousands of OFW's. 
3. Political tensions such as the conflicts in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) are possible reasons why China may be giving a meager donation compared to other countries with its financial stature. 

2. How does the aid being sent to victims of Typhoon Haiyan represent the following:

altruism - This philosophy makes individuals feel morally inclined to help those that are suffering from the aftermath of the typhoon. Additionally, countries and organisations are themselves "pressured" to donate funds in order to maintain a certain image. 

geopolitics - Countries such as the US which have played such a strong role in the upbringing of the Philippines in the past, as well as the present, represented this through the large sum that they donated to the relief efforts. On the other hand, China, has donated a meager sum compared to countries of its economic stature. Its small donation is suspected to be due to the current geopolitical tension in claiming the Spratly group of Islands. 

neo-colonialism - 

Disaster Reflection

1. How does the devastation brought from Typhoon Haiyan make you feel?

In a time where many of my countrymen have been so quickly displaced from their homes, and left starving in the shivering cold, I feel a sense of urgency to help. I am very privileged, not in that i am unaffected by the typhoon, but privileged in that i am in a position where i can help people whose lives have drastically changed. I intend to join relief operations in and out of school. 

2. How should people prepare for and respond to disasters like Typhoon Haiyan?
I believe that people close to coastal areas should be prioritised in evacuation efforts, and moved to areas more land-locked to make themselves less-likely to be involved in flood related risk.

3. Why do people live in vulnerable areas?
- Disparities (low income makes them unable to move to areas away from risk)
- industry (fishing, living close to coastal areas)